In John 21: 1-19, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” A second time, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter said, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Tend my sheep.” A third time, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Hurt, Peter replied, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus said to the rest of the disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
As I look out over my beautiful, “greening-up” yard and budding trees, I ask myself if I could give all of my belongings up, my home, car, bank accounts, clothing, and precious time, to feed His lambs, to tend His sheep, and to feed His sheep. Am I just a clanging cymbal if I can’t do that? Am I really just a “thinking Christian,” not one who continually acts with love and purpose? Do I act selflessly or do I accumulate my things as though they are what really defines me?
At my age, I’d like to think that I do a lot of things for my family, neighbors, friends, and students, but am I the Christian God wants me to be? Can I do more than just talk? If Christ knocked on my front door right now, what would my answer be to His request: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men?” I know that I can do better, that I can make my words His words, and that I can love my neighbor more than myself. I can be “Christ with flesh on.”
For most of my life, I have not been a follower in terms of what the world calls a leader and a follower. I know that Christ has walked beside me my entire life. I like to think of myself as a leader, not by any means like Christ, but still a leader. God has given me an abundant life, filled with people and experiences that have shaped and molded me into who I have become.
Would I trade everything I have and who I have become for God’s Son who died on the cross for me? I know I would because His love has comforted me in times of need and gently pushed me forward in times of plenty. Until my dying breath, I will follow Him and bring His word to all men that I meet and do His will wherever He needs me to go. Because He gave His all, I can give my best. Will you follow?
Anna Hartt
